With numerous color options, such as white, pink, and even deep red with contrasting veins and edges, this fancy leaf caladium is a great choice for a shade garden, as it breaks up the monotony of green and make those areas that don’t receive a lot of sun more vibrant.
If you’re considering adding fancy leaf caladium to your shade garden, knowing how to properly plant and care for it is a must. Read on to learn more about this showy shade-loving plant, including what it looks like, where and how to plant it, and how to make sure it will thrive.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Caladium bicolor |
| Common Names | Angel Wings, Elephant Ears |
| Native To | South America (Peru, Amazon River Basin in Brazil) |
| Preferred Growing Zones | US zones 3-4, 9-11 |
| Ideal Conditions | Hot, humid climates, shade-loving, well-drained soil |
| Size | Up to 2 feet (Regular varieties), 1 foot (Dwarf varieties) |
| Planting Depth | 1.5 to 2 inches |
| Spacing Between Each Tuber | 8 to 12 inches |
| Indoor Growing | Yes, with warmth, moisture and filtered sunlight |
| Toxicity | Yes, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, sap can cause skin irritations |
Caladium Features
Caladium features magnificent multicolored leaves, some of which can be almost as large as the palm of an adult’s hand and doesn’t require a lot of light; hence why it has become one of the most popular shade garden plants.
- The leaves feature an assortment of colors, such as white, pink, and deep red, and moderate amounts of green, and each one looks as if it’s been painted by hand, making it a show-stopping addition to shady areas.
- Native to South America, including Peru and around the basin of the Amazon River in Brazil, fancy leaf caladium does best in hot, humid climates. In temperate climates, they can be planted as bulbs during the summer, or as houseplants, as long as the conditions are right. With some TLC, these exotic and colorful leafy plants can be just as eye-catching – if not more-so – than the showiest flowering plant.
- The botanical name of fancy leaf caladium is caladium bicolor, and colloquially, the plant is also referred to as “angel wings” and “elephant ears”; given the colors and shapes of the large leaves, it’s easy to see why.
- A tuberous perennial, this shade-friendly perennial will do well best in US growing zones 3 – 4, or US zones 9 through 11, where it will bloom from June until the first frost. In other locations, it can be grown either as an annual or indoors.
- They make a beautiful potted plant on a deck, a porch, or in a windowsill. At full maturity, most fancy leaf caladium, can reach heights of up to 2 feet, though there are dwarf varieties available that stand around 1 foot tall.
- The leaves of the fancy leaf caladium are heart-shaped and they can measure up to 1 foot in size. Generally, the leaves are fragile and thin; however, there are some cultivators who have successfully created varieties that feature thicker leaves.
It should be noted that while the fancy leaf caladium is incredibly beautiful, it can also be dangerous. All parts of this plant – the bulb, the stems, and the leaves – are poisonous when ingested. Additionally, the leaves and stems do generate sap, which can cause skin irritations. Given the potential hazards, be sure to plant them in an area where children and pets will not be able to access them.
While these breathtaking plants can be purchased at full-size from a nursery or garden center, growing your own fancy leaf caladium is not only more cost-effective, but it’s also more enjoyable.
How to Plant Caladium
Given the showiness and sometime delicate nature of these tropical plants, one might assume that fancy leaf caladium would be hard to grow. While you do need to make sure that you are planting and caring for them properly, once you know what is required, growing “elephant ears” is actually pretty easy.
Tuber plants, fancy leaf caladium can be purchased from garden centers, nurseries, and even from online distributors. They are available in four different sizes:
- Mammoth: 3.5 inches or larger
- Jumbo: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
- 1: 1 ¾ to 2 ½ inches
- 2: 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ inches
The larger the plant, the bigger it will be and the more leaves it will feature. No matter the size, all fancy leaf caladiums are comprised of a central bud that is surrounded by at least two secondary buds. A word of advice: to encourage secondary bud growth and establish a fuller, more luscious and colorful plant, remove the central bud with a sharp knife before planting.
- STUNNING COLOR CALADIUM: Fancy coloration really stands out. Great for landscaping, garden or container growing.
- UNIQUE PLANTS: Turn heads with this fast grower. Stunning color, grows great in container or garden setting
- GROWING TIPS: Plant after the last freeze. Caladiums love heat and will grow and germiante better in over 65 degree soil temps.
- STUNNING COLOR CALADIUM: Fancy coloration really stands out. Great for landscaping, garden or container growing.
- UNIQUE PLANTS: Turn heads with this fast grower. Stunning color, grows great in container or garden setting
- GROWING TIPS: Plant after the last freeze. Caladiums love heat and will grow and germiante better in over 75 degree soil temps.
- Elegant for shady gardens
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Where to Plant Caladium
As mentioned, fancy leaf caladiums are shade-loving plants. As such, they do best in areas that receive full- or part-shade. While some newer varieties are capable of tolerating more sunlight, a location that is mostly shady is best, as the colors of the leaves will be more vibrant.
Since these plants feature large, delicate leaves, choose a spot where they will be protected from the wind. Exposure to high winds can damage the plant. Because they are native to parts of South America where the soil is rich and well-drained, they will need to be planted in similar conditions in your own yard or in a pot.
In order to thrive, the soil conditions should mimic the soil that “angel wings” grow in in their native environment; rich, moist, and well-draining. For the best results, mix a form of organic matter into the soil, such as compost.
The Best Time to Plant Caladium
As tropical plants, fancy leaf caladium love heat. As such, they will need to be planted when the air and soil temperature is warm. It’s best to plant them when the temperature during the day steadily holds at 70 degrees F, and when the temperatures at night won’t fall below 60 degrees F.
The best time of year to plant depends on your growing zone; for example, in zones 3 – 4, you may be able to plant them as early as the middle of March, and in zones 9 – 11, it’s usually best to plant sometime around mid-June. If you are located in a northern region, consider planting in a container, as the soil tends to warm up faster in containers.
How to Plant Caladiums
If you’re growing fancy leaf caladium from tubers, it’s best to plant them in beds about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Make sure the stem – the pointed end of the tuber – is pointing upward. Remember that the leaves can grow large, so be sure that there’s a good bit of space between your tubers; about 8 to 12 inches is recommended.
If you live in a cooler climate, start your tubers indoors in the early spring and transplant them once the outdoor weather conditions are appropriate. Do note that if you are transferring potted caladiums, make sure you allow them to acclimate to the conditions outside before you put them into a garden bed.
Caring for Caladiums
Once your elephant ears are in the ground, taking proper care of the plants is imperative. They require evenly moist soil, so these plants should be offered enough water throughout the duration of the growing season. If the soil becomes dry, the leaves discolor and may start to drop. To retain moisture in the soil, consider applying a layer of mulch around the plants.
As for feeding, fancy leaf caladiums don’t require a great deal of fertilizer. In fact, giving them too much fertilizer can actually end up damaging the plant, as the leaves may start to burn. Expert horticulturists suggest applying fertilizer that’s about the quarter of the strength that you would use to feed flowering plants. If your soil is naturally rich, applying fertilizer once every other week should suffice; if your soil is nutrient-deficient, applying fertilizer once a week will help to improve the results of your plant.
How to Plant Caladium Indoors
If you live in a colder climate, fancy leaf caladium would make a beautiful houseplant. Use the following tips to successfully grow indoors.
Where to Grow
Choose a location where the plant will receive plenty of warmth and be exposed to moisture. Solariums, sun rooms, and bathrooms are the perfect spots for this houseplant. Make sure that the area is free of drafts and that the temperatures remain consistent.
For ideal growth, the temperature indoors should be between 70 and 75 degrees F during the day and at night, between 55 and 60 degrees F would be suitable. If necessary, use a humidifier to increase the moisture levels of the environment. When the weather outdoors is warm enough and there is no risk of frost, you can move the plants to a shady area outdoors.
Light Conditions
Since caladium is a shade-loving plant, avoid direct sunlight, as the leaves can become scorched. It should receive about 4 hours of filtered sunlight.
Watering
The soil should be kept evenly moist throughout the height of the growing season. When the leaves begin dying back in the fall, you can water less frequently.
Summing It Up
Fancy leaf caladiums are shade-loving, showy leaf tubers. Their leaves feature beautifully vibrant colors and look as if they have been painted with an artist’s paintbrush. If grown in the right conditions and cared for properly, this plant will be sure to add eye-catching beauty to any location.
Caladium FAQS
What is the secret to growing caladiums?
The secret to growing caladiums lies in providing them with the right conditions, which include warm, humid climates, and rich, well-drained soil. They should be planted when the day temperature steadily holds at 70 degrees F and the night temperature doesn’t fall below 60 degrees F. Avoid direct sunlight, as the leaves can get scorched. A layer of mulch around the plants will help retain moisture in the soil.
How often do you water caladiums?
Caladiums require evenly moist soil throughout the growing season. The frequency of watering will depend on the environmental conditions, but the key is to prevent the soil from drying out, which can lead to discoloration and dropping of the leaves. However, do not overwater as this could lead to root rot.
Do caladiums need sun or shade?
Caladiums are shade-loving plants and prefer full- or part-shade. While some newer varieties can tolerate more sunlight, a location that is mostly shady is best as the colors of the leaves will be more vibrant.
How do you take care of caladiums in pots?
When growing caladiums in pots, ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent water logging. The soil should be rich, moist, and well-draining, similar to their native conditions. Keep the plant in a spot with filtered sunlight and away from direct sun. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil and avoid letting the soil dry out. If you’re in a colder climate, move the pots indoors during winter.
How do you keep caladiums happy?
Keeping caladiums happy involves maintaining the right conditions for them. This includes providing them with a mostly shady location, moist and well-drained soil, and a suitable temperature range. Applying a light layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture. Also, while they don’t require a lot of fertilizer, a diluted fertilizer can be applied every other week if your soil is nutrient-rich, or once a week if your soil is nutrient-deficient.
How do I get my caladiums to grow more leaves?
To encourage more leaf growth in your caladiums, consider removing the central bud before planting. This will stimulate the growth of the secondary buds, leading to a fuller plant with more leaves. Also, maintaining the ideal conditions and care for your caladiums will promote their overall health and growth, including leaf production.
